Relatable, I'd say. From your post, I'm almost certain you're a Nigerian 😁 (I may be wrong). I guess this is a Nigerian thinking, as far as I know, not only within your vicinity.

Although I wasn't a victim of this and I played (still play) football only for the fun, I know a lot of talents that were buried due to this faulty thinking and some of them realizing how lucrative the game is now wear the "had I known" hat.

I'm sorry to hear about this on your part, but I'm glad you still found a way to get involved in the game that you love and you're obviously doing well for yourself outside football. You could help your own children nurture theirs if they wish.

I believe this notion would be corrected by our generation, even though you'd still find some that would not outgrow that thinking.

The emergence of academies that combine football and education would do a lot to bridge that gap. Sadly such things are very rare in Nigeria.